CN114731030A

CN114731030A - Cable end sensing apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: CN114731030A
Application number: CN202080079584.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: M.S.豪泽; G.德克; M.莫里斯
Original assignee: TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH
Current assignee: TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH
Priority date: 2019-10-18
Filing date: 2020-10-18
Publication date: 2022-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-18
Also published as: EP4046251A1; US20210116594A1; US11143778B2; WO2021074902A1

Abstract

A cable end sensing apparatus (10) and method of sensing a cable end (14) of a cable (12) located in a cable preparation device (16). The cable end sensing apparatus (10) includes a cable clamp (20) for clamping and moving a cable (12) and a movable sensing device (24). The movable sensing device (24) has a first position in which the movable sensing device (24) is positioned in alignment with the insertion axis (26) of the cable (12) to engage the end (14) of the cable (12) and prevent the cable (12) from moving beyond the movable sensing device (24). The movable sensing device (24) has a second position in which the movable sensing device (24) is displaced from the insertion axis (26) of the cable (12) when the cable end (14) is correctly positioned to allow the cable (12) to move beyond the sensing device (24).

Description

Cable end sensing apparatus and method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a cable end sensing instrument and a method of sensing a cable end of a cable located in a cable preparation device.

Background

Devices are known which facilitate the positioning of cables in cable preparation devices. Various existing machines use only hard stops to position the cable ends. This method relies on the operator placing the cable correctly in the machine each time, which introduces the risk of user error. Furthermore, this method does not ensure that the cable does not move during the preparation process.

The problem to be solved is to provide a cable end sensing instrument that accurately locates the cable end before the cable preparation cycle starts and checks if the cable is properly positioned after the cycle is completed, thereby ensuring proper stripping or cutting length on the cable.

This problem is addressed by providing a sensing method that uses a sensing device to check the cable position before starting the cycle and then uses the same sensing device to check the cable position after completing the cycle, thereby ensuring proper stripping or cutting length on the cable.

Disclosure of Invention

An embodiment relates to a method of sensing a cable end of a cable in a cable preparation device. The method comprises the following steps: positioning a cable end of a cable into engagement with a sensing device; detecting the cable end with the sensing device; clamping the cable with a cable clamp; detecting with the sensing device whether the cable end remains engaged with the sensing device after the cable is clamped; moving the cable end toward the sensing device if the cable end is not detected by the sensing device; and moving the sensing device away from the axis of insertion of the cable to allow the cable to enter the cable preparation device.

Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cable end sensing instrument according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a cable inserted into the cable end sensing instrument.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a cable inserted into the cable end sensing instrument with a cable clamp gripping the cable.

Fig. 4 is a schematic top view of a cable clamp moving a cable towards a sensing plate of a cable end sensing instrument, whereby the end of the cable is in contact with the sensing plate.

Fig. 5 is a schematic top view showing the sensing plate moved away from the cable path.

Fig. 6 is a schematic top view of a cable end that has been inserted into a cable preparation mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a schematic top view of the cable clamp and the cable being retracted from the cable preparation mechanism to expose the stripped end of the cable.

Fig. 8 is a schematic top view showing the sense plate moving back into the cable path.

Fig. 9 is a schematic top view of the cable clamp moving the stripped cable end back towards the sensing plate, whereby the stripped end of the cable is in contact with the sensing plate.

Fig. 10 is a schematic top view of a stripped cable released from a cable clamp.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternative illustrative embodiment of a sensing device of the cable end sensing apparatus.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1, a cable end sensing instrument 10 is provided to detect or sense an end 14 of a cable 12 to ensure proper positioning of the cable 12 in a cable preparation device 16. One factor in the preparation of the cable 12 is the stripped or cut length of the different portions of the cable 12 (i.e., the outer, braided, and inner jackets). The stripped or cut lengths of the different sections require a degree of precision so that further cable processing steps, such as but not limited to termination, can be performed as per specifications. The cable end sensing apparatus 10 allows for precise positioning of the cable 12 prior to insertion of the cable 12 into the cable preparation device 12. Furthermore, the use of the cable end sensing instrument 10 allows for faster mechanical loading of the cable 12, as it requires less accuracy on the part of the operator.

As shown in fig. 2-10, the cable end sensing instrument has a pair of cable clamps 20, an inner shield 22, and a sensing device 24. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the cable clamp 20 is driven by a pneumatic device (not shown). However, the cable clamp 20 may be actuated by a spring force or other type of closing force. The inner guard 22 is a safety device that prevents an operator from contacting the cable preparation device 16. The inner guard 22 is optional and may have many different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrative embodiment, the sensing device 24 is a sensing plate that detects changes in the capacitance of the cable 12 to determine whether the cable 12 is touching the sensing device 24. The sensing device 24 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis 26 of the cable 12 to allow the cable 12 to move into the cable preparation device 16. However, other configurations and motions of the sensing device may be used. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the sensing device 24 is driven by a pneumatic device (not shown). However, the sensing device 24 may be moved using other drive mechanisms.

In the initial position, as shown in fig. 2, the cable clamp 20 is in the open position and the sensing device 24 is positioned in a first position in which the sensing device 24 is aligned with an axis 26 of insertion of the cable 12 into the cable preparation device 16. When in the open position, the cable 12 is inserted between the cable clamps 20. Insertion continues until the end 14 of the cable 12 engages the surface 28 of the sensing device 24, causing the cable 12 to hardstop in the direction of insertion 30. In this position, the sensing device 24 also acts as a guard to prevent an operator or the cable 12 from moving past the sensing device 24 and improperly entering or engaging the cable preparation device 16.

With the cable end 14 positioned in engagement with the surface 28 of the sensing device 24, the sensing device detects the cable end 14 and the cable clamp 20 moves, as indicated by arrow 32 in fig. 3, into engagement with the cable 12 to provide a secure grip between the cable clamp 20 and the cable 12.

Once the cable 12 is secured by the cable clamp 20, if the sensing device 24 detects that the cable end 14 remains engaged with the surface 28 of the sensing device 24, the sensing device 24 moves as shown in FIG. 5, as will be more fully described. If the sensing device 24 does not detect the cable end 14 after the cable 12 is clamped, the cable clamp 20 and the cable 12 move toward the surface 28 of the sensing device 24, as indicated by arrow 34 in FIG. 4. This movement occurs until the sensing device 24 detects that the cable end 14 is engaged with the surface 28.

The sensing device 24 acts as a hard stop that detects changes in capacitance of the cable 12 to determine whether the cable 12 is touching the sensing device 24 or is a hard stop. If the cable 12 does not touch the sensing device 24, the cable clamp 20 advances the cable 12 until the sensing device 24 detects the cable end 14. This allows the operator to be responsible for less accurate cable loading since the cable end sensing instrument 10 facilitates proper positioning of the cable end 14.

If the sensing device 24 does not detect the cable end 14 at some determined preset distance, the sensing device 24 of the cable end sensing apparatus 10 will enter a fault state and alert the operator that there is a problem with the cable 12 position.

If the cable end 14 is detected by the sensing device 24, the sensing device 24 provides a signal that the cable preparation process can proceed. This causes the sensing device 24 to move perpendicular to the insertion axis 26 of the cable 12. Movement continues, as indicated by arrow 36 in fig. 5, until the sensing device 24 is moved to a second position in which the sensing device 24 is moved away from the axis 26 to allow the cable end 14 of the cable 12 to move beyond the sensing device 24 and into the cable preparation device 16.

With the sensing device 24 removed from the insertion axis 26, the cable clamp 20 and the cable 12 move in the direction of arrow 38 in fig. 6 toward the cable preparation device 16. This movement continues until the cable end 14 of the cable 12 is positioned in the cable preparation device 16. With the cable end 14 positioned in the cable preparation device 16, the cable preparation device 16 prepares the cable end 14 as desired.

With the cable preparation device 16 properly preparing the cable end 14, the cable clamp 20 and cable 12 are retracted and moved in the direction of arrow 40 in fig. 7. This movement continues until the cable end 14 moves past the plane of the sensing device 24. The sensing device 24 is then moved perpendicular to the insertion axis 26 of the cable 12, as indicated by arrow 42 in fig. 8, back to its original position. The sensing device 24 is moved into alignment with the axis 26, thereby preventing the cable end 14 of the cable 12 from entering the cable preparation device 16.

With the sensing device 24 properly positioned, the cable clamp 20 and cable 12 are advanced and moved toward the sensing device, as indicated by arrow 44 in FIG. 9. This movement continues until the sensing device 24 detects that the cable end 14 is engaged with the surface 28.

If the sensing device 24 does not detect the cable end 14 at some determined preset distance, the sensing device 24 of the cable end sensing apparatus 10 will enter a fault state and alert the operator that there is a problem with the cable preparation process.

If the cable end 14 is detected by the sensing device 24 within an acceptable range of its initial position, the sensing device 24 provides a signal that the cable 12 has not moved within the cable clamp 20 during the cable preparation process to allow the cable clamp 20 to move away from the cable 12, as indicated by arrow 46 in FIG. 10. When this occurs, the cable 12 is released to move from the cable end sensing apparatus 10 to the next station.

As shown in fig. 11, the sensing device 24 may include a sensing target area 50 on the surface 28 of the sensing device 24. The sensing target area 50 can be used to ensure that the cable 12 is centered in the cable end sensing instrument 10 before the preparation process described above begins. If the cable 12 is not centered, the sensing device 24 of the cable end sensing apparatus 10 will enter a fault state and alert the operator that there is a problem with the positioning of the cable 12.

As shown in FIG. 11, the target area 50 of the sensing device 24 may include a separate sensing area, such as, but not limited to, a concentric sensing ring 52, to determine the diameter of the cable 12 to ensure that an appropriately sized cable 12 is used before the preparation process described above begins. In other embodiments, the target area 50 is a grid or array of sensing areas. If an improperly sized cable 12 is positioned in the cable end sensing instrument 10, the sensing device 24 will enter a fault state and alert the operator that there is a problem with the size of the cable 12.

The sensed capacitance value of the cable 12 determined by the sensing device 24 may be compared to known capacitance values of known or ideal cables to determine whether the cable 12 has the appropriate length and/or diameter. If the sensing device 24 senses an improper capacitance value of the cable 12 compared to a known or ideal cable, the sensing device 24 will enter a fault state and alert the operator that there is a problem with the cable 12.

Although the embodiments described herein have sensing devices 24 that detect changes in capacitance, other types of sensing devices may be used. For example, the sensing device may use other cable end sensing technologies, such as resistance sensing or mechanical switches, to perform the same tasks described above.

Claims

1. A method of sensing a cable end (14) of a cable (12) in a cable preparation device (16), the method comprising:

positioning the cable end (14) of the cable (12) into engagement with a sensing device (24);

detecting the cable end (14) with the sensing device (24);

clamping the cable (12) with a cable clamp (20);

detecting, using the sensing device (24), whether the cable end (14) remains engaged with the sensing device (24) after the cable (12) is clamped;

-moving the cable end (14) towards the sensing device (24) if the cable end (14) is not detected by the sensing device (24); and

moving the sensing device (24) away from an insertion axis (26) of the cable (12) to allow the cable (12) to enter the cable preparation device (16).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein if the sensing device (24) does not detect the cable end (14) at some determined preset distance after the cable (12) is clamped, the sensing device (24) will enter a fault state and alert an operator that there is a problem with the cable (12) location.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensing device (24) moves perpendicular to the insertion axis (26) of the cable (12).

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

-moving the cable clamp (20) and cable (12) in a direction towards the cable preparation device (16) with the sensing device (24) moved from the insertion axis (26) until the cable end (14) of the cable (12) is positioned in the cable preparation device (16);

-preparing the cable end (14) in the cable preparation device (16).

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

with the cable end (14) properly prepared by the cable preparation device (16), the cable clamp (20) and cable (12) are retracted until the cable end (14) passes the plane of the sensing device (24);

moving the sensing device (24) perpendicular to the insertion axis (26) of the cable (12), wherein the sensing device (24) is moved into alignment with the insertion axis (26) thereby preventing the cable end (14) of the cable (12) from entering the cable preparation device (16).

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

with the sensing device (24) properly positioned, the cable clamp (20) and cable (12) are advanced and moved toward the sensing device (24);

detecting that the cable end (14) is engaged with a surface (28) of the sensing device (24).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein if the sensing device (24) does not detect the cable end (14) at some determined preset distance, the sensing device (24) will enter a fault state and alert an operator that there is a problem with the cable preparation process.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein if the cable end (14) is detected by the sensing device (24) within an acceptable range of its initial position, the sensing device (24) provides a signal that the cable (12) has not moved within the cable clamp (24) during a cable preparation process, thereby allowing the cable clamp (20) to move away from the cable (12).

9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensing device (24) has a sensing target area (50) on a surface (28) of the sensing device (24), the sensing target area (50) ensuring that the cable (12) is centered in a cable end (14) sensing instrument.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein if the cable (12) is not centered, the sensing device (24) will enter a fault state and alert an operator that there is a problem with the positioning of the cable (12).

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the sensing target area (50) has a sensing area (52) to determine a diameter of the cable (12) to ensure that the properly sized cable (12) is used before a preparation process begins.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein if an improperly sized cable (12) is positioned in the cable end (14) sensing instrument, the sensing device (24) will enter a fault condition and alert an operator that there is a problem with the size of the cable (12).

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensing device (24) is a sense plate that detects a change in capacitance to determine whether the cable (12) contacts the sensing device (24).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the measured capacitance value of the cable (12) determined by the sensing device (24) is compared to known capacitance values to determine whether the cable (12) is of an appropriate length and/or diameter.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein if the sensing device (24) senses an improper capacitance value of the cable (12), the sensing device (24) will enter a fault state and alert an operator that there is a problem with the cable (12).